Winterizing House Plants

The days are getting shorter and the nights a bit cooler. It is time to start thinking about bringing in any houseplants that have been outside for the summer. Fall is a great time to do maintenance on your houseplants so their rejuvenated by spring.

You will need to bring your plants indoors before nighttime temperatures dip below 45 degrees (F). Most tropical plants will suffer damage at temperatures below 40 degrees, a few even below 50 degrees.

Inspect plants for insects and diseases, and treat as appropriate before bringing plants back inside. Soaking the pot in a tub of lukewarm water for about 10 minutes will force insects out of the soil. Give your plants a shower before bringing them in. With your garden hose set on mist or shower, spray the leaves, undersides too.

If necessary, re-pot plants into larger containers. Always making sure to go one size up.

Example: 4 inch into 6 inch, 6 inch into 8 inch.

Trim off any dead leaves or branches with a sharp pair of scissors or hand-held pruning tool.

To prevent shock when you bring houseplants back indoors, expose plants gradually to reduced lighting. If plants are in a sunny location, move them into bright shade for several weeks before the anticipated moving date. Once back indoors, it is very common for the plant to drop a few leaves. When this happens don't panic, it's normal!

Most houseplants will not need to be fertilized during the winter months with the exception of African Violets.